U.S. patent application number 14/083920 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for case and electronic apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Invention is credited to Sang-hoon CHOI, Tae-young KIM, In-young LEE, Chee-hwan YANG.
Application Number | 20140218250 14/083920 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51258802 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140218250 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Tae-young ; et
al. |
August 7, 2014 |
CASE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
Abstract
An electronic apparatus includes a metallic case including an
antenna pattern formed on an area of the metallic case where two
sides surfaces of the case meet, the antenna pattern forming a slit
antenna including a slit connecting one side of the antenna pattern
to an open area of the metallic case, and a circuit board
configured to process signals received at the antenna pattern.
Inventors: |
KIM; Tae-young; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; YANG; Chee-hwan; (Yongin-si, KR) ; LEE;
In-young; (Hwaseong-si, KR) ; CHOI; Sang-hoon;
(Suwon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
51258802 |
Appl. No.: |
14/083920 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61760229 |
Feb 4, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
343/767 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 13/106 20130101;
H01Q 5/364 20150115; H01Q 13/10 20130101; H01Q 1/243 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
343/767 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 13/10 20060101
H01Q013/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 30, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0062156 |
Claims
1. An electronic apparatus, comprising: a metallic case comprising:
an antenna pattern formed on an area of the metallic case where two
side surfaces of the case meet, the antenna pattern forming a slit
antenna comprising: a slit connecting one side of the antenna
pattern to an open area of the metallic case; and a circuit board
configured to process signals received at the antenna pattern.
2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slit antenna
resonates on a 2 GHz bandwidth.
3. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slit antenna is
an L-shaped slit antenna.
4. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the antenna pattern
comprises: a groove area, which is formed on the area of the
metallic case where the two side surfaces of the metallic case
meet, and which is a cutaway area connected at one side to the open
area of the metallic case; a first case area formed at an inner
portion of the case and on one side with reference to the groove
area; and a second case area formed at an outer portion of the case
and on an opposite side from the first case area with reference to
the groove area.
5. The electronic apparatus of claim 4, wherein the groove area has
a width of at least 1 mm.
6. The electronic apparatus of claim 4, wherein width between the
groove area and the open area of the metallic case is at least 2
mm.
7. The electronic apparatus of claim 4, wherein the groove area is
bent at least once.
8. The electronic apparatus of claim 7, wherein the groove area
comprises: a first groove area, which is formed in a vertical
direction toward the open area of the metallic case, and which is
cut so that one side thereof is connected to the open area of the
metallic case; and a second groove area, which is formed in a
horizontal direction toward the first groove area, and which is cut
so that one side thereof is connected to the first groove area.
9. The electronic apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second groove
area has a meander shape.
10. The electronic apparatus of claim 8, wherein the length of the
second groove area is one-fourth of a wavelength on a first
bandwidth.
11. The electronic apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a
connector configured to contact the antenna pattern, and to connect
the antenna pattern to the circuit board.
12. The electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein the connector is
placed on an end of an area where the first case area and the
second case area meet.
13. The electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein the connector
comprises: an electrical feeder configured to contact the first
case area and to electrically feed to the antenna pattern; a first
ground configured to contact the second case area; a first terminal
configured to electrically connect the electrical feeder and the
circuit board; and a second terminal configured to connect the
first ground to a ground of the circuit board.
14. The electronic apparatus of claim 13, wherein the connector
further comprises: a matcher disposed between the electrical feeder
and the first terminal, to match an impedance of the antenna
pattern.
15. The electronic apparatus of claim 14, wherein the matcher
operates to match the impedance by using one of an L-shaped
matching circuit, a 7-shaped matching circuit, and a T-shaped
matching circuit.
16. The electronic apparatus of claim 13, wherein the connector
further comprises: an antenna pattern configured to resonate on a
second bandwidth.
17. The electronic apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a
protector configured to fill in the groove area with an insulating
material.
18. The electronic apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a
protector configured to fill in a portion of the antenna pattern
with an insulating material.
19. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the metallic case
comprises a plurality of antenna patterns.
20. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the antenna
pattern forms a slit antenna resonating on first and second
bandwidths.
21. The electronic apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first
bandwidth is a 2 GHz bandwidth, and the second bandwidth is a 5 GHz
bandwidth.
22. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the antenna
pattern comprises: a third groove area, which is formed on an the
area of the metallic case where the two side surfaces of the
metallic case meet, and which is cut so that one side thereof is
connected to the open area of the metallic case; a fourth groove
area, which is formed at an inner portion of the case and on one
side with reference to the third groove area, and which is cut so
that one side thereof is connected to the open area of the metallic
case; a third case area between the third groove area and the
fourth groove area; a fourth case area formed at the inner portion
of the case with reference to the fourth groove area; and a fifth
case area formed at an outer portion of the case with reference to
the third groove area.
23. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the metallic case
is configured to protect a display apparatus.
24. The electronic apparatus of claim 23, wherein the antenna
pattern is formed on at least one edge area between two edge areas
on a lower end of the display apparatus.
25. A metallic case covering an electronic apparatus, the metallic
case comprising: an antenna pattern operating as a slit antenna
formed on an area of the metallic case where two side surfaces of
the metallic case meet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/760,229, filed on
Feb. 4, 2013 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0062156, filed on May 30,
2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Cases and apparatuses consistent with the present general
inventive concept as disclosed herein relate to a case and an
electronic apparatus configured to use a metallic case of the
electronic device as an antenna.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] With technological development, trends regarding functions
of electronic apparatuses have become complicated and
high-performance. Thus, a required number of units and antennas has
increased, as functions of electronic apparatuses become more
complicated and high-performance.
[0006] However, considering the fact that slimness and
miniaturization of electronic apparatuses are also desired in order
to enhance their mobility of, a method of providing an increased
number of antennas on a smaller area is necessary.
[0007] Further, since a metallic case is frequently used in
electronic apparatuses in order to enhance design and durability,
the metallic case can affect the radiating of antennas.
[0008] Thus, the recent suggestion is to mount antennas on an area
where a certain portion of the metallic case is removed. However,
this may cause a disadvantage in view of design, when electronic
apparatuses are implemented as described above. Therefore, a method
of efficiently implementing antennas on electronic apparatuses is
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive
concept provide a case in which a metallic case of an electronic
apparatus can be used for antenna and the electronic apparatus.
[0010] Additional features and utilities of the present general
inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description
which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description,
or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept.
[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive
concept provide an electronic apparatus which includes a metallic
case including an antenna pattern formed on an area of the metallic
case where two side surfaces of the case meet, the antenna pattern
forming a slit antenna including a slit connecting one side of the
antenna pattern to an open area of the metallic case, and a circuit
board configured to process signals received at the antenna
pattern.
[0012] The slit antenna may resonate on a 2 GHz bandwidth.
[0013] The slit antenna may be an L-shaped slit antenna.
[0014] The antenna pattern may include a groove area, which is
formed on the area of the metallic case where the two side surfaces
of the metallic case meet, and which is a cutaway area connected at
one side to the open area of the metallic case, a first case area
formed at an inner portion of the case and on one side with
reference to the groove area, and a second case area formed at an
outer portion of the case and on an opposite side from the first
case area with reference to the groove area.
[0015] The groove area may have a width of at least 1 mm.
[0016] Width between the groove area and the open area of the
metallic case may be at least 2 mm.
[0017] The groove area may be bent at least once.
[0018] The groove area may include a first groove area, which is
formed in a vertical direction toward the open area of the metallic
case, and which is cut so that one side thereof is connected to the
open area of the metallic case, and a second groove area, which is
formed in a horizontal direction toward the first groove area, and
which is cut so that one side thereof is connected to the first
groove area.
[0019] The second groove area may have a meander shape.
[0020] The length of the second groove area may be one-fourth of a
wavelength on a first bandwidth.
[0021] The electronic apparatus may additionally include a
connector configured to contact the antenna pattern, and to connect
the antenna pattern to the circuit board.
[0022] The connector may be placed on an end of an area where the
first case area and the second case area meet.
[0023] The connector may include an electrical feeder configured to
contact the first case area and to electrically feed to the antenna
pattern, a first ground configured to contact the second case area,
a first terminal configured to electrically connect the electrical
feeder and the circuit board, and a second terminal configured to
connect the first ground to a ground of the circuit board.
[0024] The connector may additionally include a matcher disposed
between the electrical feeder and the first terminal, to match an
impedance of the antenna pattern.
[0025] The matcher may operate to match the impedance by using one
of an L-shaped matching circuit, a 7-shaped matching circuit, and a
T-shaped matching circuit.
[0026] The connector may additionally include an antenna pattern
configured to resonate on a second bandwidth.
[0027] The electronic apparatus may additionally include a
protector configured to fill in the groove area with an insulating
material.
[0028] The electronic apparatus may additionally include a
protector configured to fill in a portion of the antenna pattern
with an insulating material.
[0029] The metallic case may include a plurality of antenna
patterns.
[0030] The antenna pattern may be a slit antenna resonating on
first and second bandwidths.
[0031] The first bandwidth may be 2 GHz bandwidth, and the second
bandwidth may be 5 GHz bandwidth.
[0032] The antenna pattern may include a third groove area, which
is formed on the area of the metallic case where the two side
surfaces of the metallic case meet, and which is cut so that one
side thereof is connected to the open area of the metallic case, a
fourth groove area, which is formed at an inner portion of the case
and on one side with reference to the third groove area, and which
is cut so that one side thereof is connected to the open area of
the metallic case, a third case area between the third groove area
and the fourth groove area, a fourth case area formed at the inner
portion of the case with reference to the fourth groove area, and a
fifth case area formed at an outer portion of the case with
reference to the third groove area.
[0033] The metallic case may be configured to protect a display
apparatus.
[0034] The antenna pattern may be formed on at least one edge area
between two edge areas on a lower end of the display apparatus.
[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive
concept also provide a metallic case covering an electronic
apparatus, the metallic case including an antenna pattern operating
as a slit antenna formed on an area of the metallic case where two
side surfaces of the metallic case meet.
[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive
concept also provide an electrically conductive case, the case
including a first side, a second side extended from the first side
and disposed to have an angle with the first side, and an antenna
pattern, including a groove area extending from the first side of
the case to the second side, across a point where the first side
and the second side meet.
[0037] The antenna pattern may resonate on a first bandwidth. The
antenna pattern may further include an extender including a
conductive strip bent towards an inner portion of the case, the
extender having a length equal to one-fourth of a wavelength on a
second bandwidth.
[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive
concept also provide an electrically conductive case of an
electronic apparatus, the case including two opposing sides, a side
disposed between the two opposing sides and extended along corners
of the two opposing sides, and an antenna pattern formed on the
side disposed between the two opposing sides and having a groove
extended along a corner of the two opposing sides.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] These and/or other features and utilities of the present
general inventive concept will become apparent and more readily
appreciated from the following description of the embodiments,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic apparatus
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept;
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a case of the electronic apparatus of
FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept;
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an antenna pattern
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept,
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of implementing the antenna
pattern of FIG. 3;
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a protector of an antenna according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a protector of an antenna according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
[0046] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate an antenna formed with an antenna
pattern on a side surface and a radiating pattern according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates the radiating pattern of the antenna
pattern of FIG. 3;
[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an antenna pattern
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept;
[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of implementing the antenna
pattern of FIG. 9;
[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a radiating pattern in the
antenna pattern of FIG. 9;
[0051] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of implementing the antenna
pattern according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept;
[0052] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an antenna pattern
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept;
[0053] FIG. 14 illustrates features in bandwidths of the antenna
pattern of FIG. 13;
[0054] FIG. 15 illustrates radiating patterns of the antenna
pattern of FIG. 13;
[0055] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an antenna pattern
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept;
[0056] FIG. 17 illustrates a constitution of a connector according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
[0057] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of implementing the connector
of FIG. 17;
[0058] FIG. 19 illustrates a constitution of a connector according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
[0059] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of implementing the connector
of FIG. 19;
[0060] FIG. 21 illustrates a constitution of a connector according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
[0061] FIG. 22 illustrates a constitution of a connector according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
[0062] FIG. 23 illustrates a constitution of a connector according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept; and
[0063] FIG. 24 illustrates a constitution of a connector according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0064] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present general inventive concept, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are
described below in order to explain the present general inventive
concept while referring to the figures.
[0065] The matters defined in the following description, such as
detailed construction and elements, are provided to assist in a
comprehensive understanding of the present general inventive
concept. Accordingly, it is apparent that the exemplary embodiments
of the present general inventive concept can be carried out without
those specifically defined matters. Also, well-known functions or
constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure
the present general inventive concept with unnecessary detail.
[0066] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic apparatus 100
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic apparatus 100 according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept
includes a communication interface 110, a user interface 120, a
storage unit 130, a controller 140, and an antenna 200. The
electronic apparatus 100 performs communication with external
devices such as a Personal Computer (PC), a laptop computer, a
tablet PC, a Personal Media Player (PMP), or a smart phone, using
the antenna 200.
[0068] The communication interface 110 is configured to connect the
electronic apparatus 100 to an external device (not illustrated),
and may connect according to wireless communication (e.g., GSM,
UMTS, LTE, WiBRO, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth) through the antenna 200 as
well as connect to the external device through a near field
communication network (local area network (LAN)) and internet
network. Further, the communication interface 110 may connect to
the external device and the internet network according to a
plurality of wireless communication methods by using the antenna
200.
[0069] The communication interface 110 may include a circuit board
(not illustrated) which is electrically connected to the antenna
200. The circuit board is electrically connected to an antenna
pattern 210 (illustrated for example in FIG. 2) of the antenna 200
or an electrical feeder 223 (illustrated for example in FIG. 19),
and provides electromagnetic energy to the antenna 200.
[0070] The antenna 200 radiates electronic waves by using
electromagnetic energy provided from the circuit board. The antenna
200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept may utilize a metallic case (203, illustrated for
example in FIG. 2) by processing the metallic case 203 according to
the antenna pattern 210. Specific shape and position of the antenna
pattern 210 will be described below by referring to FIGS. 2 to
4.
[0071] The user interface 120 may include various function keys
with which a user can establish or select various functions
supported from the electronic apparatus 100, and may further
display various information provided from the electronic apparatus
100. The user interface 120 may be implemented as a device which
simultaneously performs input and output such as for example a
touch screen, or a device combined with a mouse and a monitor (not
illustrated).
[0072] The storage unit 130 stores programs to drive the electronic
apparatus 100. Specifically, the storage unit 130 may store
programs which are classes of various commands requested when in
driving the electronic apparatus 100. Programs include a master
boot record (MBR, or GPT) and an operating system (not
illustrated).
[0073] The storage unit 130 may be implemented as a storing medium
within the electronic apparatus 100 (e.g., a flash memory, a hard
disk (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD), not illustrated), a
storing medium connected to an external storing medium (e.g., a
removable disk including a USB memory and a host, not illustrated),
and a web server through a network (not illustrated).
[0074] The controller 140 controls each unit within the electronic
apparatus 100. Specifically, the controller 140 may determine
operation mode of the electronic apparatus 100 by determining
whether a user manipulates or not or how much time it passes after
user manipulation.
[0075] Further, the controller 140 may control each component
within the electronic apparatus 100 so as to be in an operating
situation corresponding to a determined operation mode.
Specifically, the electronic apparatus 100 may operate in a normal
mode, one or more power-save modes, and an off mode. Herein, the
normal mode is operation mode in which the electronic apparatus 100
performs a process requested from a user as the power is supplied
to each component within the electronic apparatus 100, the
power-save mode is one or more operation modes in which the
electronic apparatus 100 cuts off or minimizes power provided to a
specific component so as to minimize electrical energy consumed in
the electronic apparatus 100, and the off mode is an operation mode
in which the electronic apparatus 100 does not operate. For
example, the controller 140 may cut off power to the antenna 200 in
the power-save mode.
[0076] When a booting command is inputted, the controller 140 may
perform booting by using the operating system stored in the storage
unit 130. Further, the controller 140 may perform a corresponding
function in response to a user command inputted through the user
interface 120 after booting.
[0077] The electronic apparatus 100 according to exemplary
embodiments of the present general inventive concept may perform
communication with external devices by using the antenna 200 which
will be described below. Thus, size of the electronic apparatus 100
can be reduced, and efficient communication can be encouraged.
[0078] FIG. 2 illustrates a case 203 of the electronic apparatus
100 of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
general inventive concept.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 2, the case 203 covers the electronic
apparatus 100 and may be formed from a metallic material. Although
the case 203 is described as metallic in the following exemplary
embodiments of the present general inventive concept, it will be
understood that the case 203 is not so limited. The case 203 may be
made of any electrically conductive material, depending on the
configuration of a specific embodiment of the present general
inventive concept.
[0080] The case 203 includes an antenna pattern 210 to operate as a
slit antenna 200 formed on area where two side surfaces of the case
203 meet. Specifically, the antenna pattern 210 may be positioned
on an area where two side surfaces (left-side surface, right-side
surface, upper-side surface, or lower-side surface, to be specific)
of the metallic case 203 meet. Herein, the "side surface" refers to
surface which is adjacent to the largest side (a back face plate
(not illustrated), for example) of the case 203.
[0081] For example, if the electronic apparatus 100 is a laptop
computer as illustrated in FIG. 2, the case 203 of the electronic
apparatus 100 may include a first case 201 to protect a display
apparatus 301 and a second case 202 to protect an input apparatus
302, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The display apparatus 301 may be for
example an LCD panel.
[0082] In this case, the antenna pattern 210 may be formed on areas
210-1, 210-2, 210-3, and 210-4 where two sides of the first case
201 meet, and areas 210-5, 210-6, 210-7, and 210- 8 where two sides
of the second case 202 meet. In actual implementation, the antenna
pattern 210 may be formed on one or a plurality of areas among the
eight areas mentioned above and illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0083] Meanwhile, when the antenna pattern 210 is positioned on
lower areas 210-3 and 210-4 of the first case 201, the possibility
that a user touches the antenna pattern 210 is lower, the antenna
pattern 210 is not seen by a user who is watching the front of the
electronic apparatus 100, and connecting the circuit board placed
on the second case 202 to the antenna 200 becomes easier. However,
when the distance between the display apparatus 301 and the first
case 201 is not sufficient, the antenna pattern 210 may not be
formed on the lower areas 210-3, 210-4 of the first case 201.
Specifically, when the antenna pattern 210 should be connected to
the circuit board through a connector 220 (illustrated for example
in FIG. 3), there is not enough space for the connector 220 to be
formed between display apparatus 301 and the case.
[0084] In this case, the antenna pattern 210 may be formed with a
webcam (not illustrated) on the upper areas 210-1, 210-2 of the
first case 201 where the distance between display apparatus 301 and
the first case 201 is sufficient, or arranged on the lower areas
210-3, 210-4 of the first case 201 while certain area of the
antenna pattern 210 is plated so that the antenna pattern 210 and
the circuit board are connected to each other with soldering and
without having to use the connector 220.
[0085] Meanwhile, when the antenna pattern 210 is formed on a
plurality of areas, a resonating bandwidth of each antenna pattern
210 may be uniform (i.e., used as a multiple-input and
multiple-output (MIMO) antenna), or may be implemented differently.
Specific configurations of the antenna pattern 210 will be
described below by referring to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0086] Since the electronic apparatus 100 according to the above
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept has
the antenna pattern 210 formed on the case, the size of the
electronic apparatus 100 can be reduced. Further, because the
antenna pattern 210 is formed on side area of the case 203 which is
not visible during use of the electronic apparatus 100, detrimental
influence on the design due to the placing of the antenna pattern
210 can be minimized.
[0087] Further, because the antenna pattern 210 is formed on area
where two sides of the case 203 meet, (i.e., on an edge area), a
more efficient radiating pattern 210 may be obtained. Such effects
will be described below by referring to FIGS. 7A-7C and 8. Further,
because the antenna pattern 210 is implemented as slit antenna 200,
a slimmer shape of the antenna 200 may be implemented.
[0088] Meanwhile, although FIG. 2 illustrates only an exemplary
embodiment of the electronic apparatus 100 as a laptop computer,
the antenna pattern 210 may be formed on any of four areas where
two sides of one case 203 meet when the electronic apparatus 100 is
tablet PC or smart phone which includes only one case 203.
[0089] Further, when the electronic apparatus 100 is a laptop
computer with a first metal case 201, the antenna pattern 210 may
be formed on four areas 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, and 210-4 where two
sides of the first case 201 meet.
[0090] Meanwhile, in describing an exemplary embodiment of the
present general inventive concept with reference to FIG. 2, the
first case 201 covers a back face, left and right sides, upper and
lower sides, and some area of the front face (or bezel) of the
display apparatus 301; however, the first case 201 may be
implemented to uncover some area of the front face, i.e., to cover
just the back face, left and right sides, and upper and lower
sides.
[0091] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an antenna pattern 210
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept. Specifically, a view (a) of FIG. 3 illustrates a
shape of the antenna pattern 210 viewed from above, and a view (b)
of FIG. 3 illustrates shape of the antenna pattern 210 viewed from
inside of the case 203. Further, FIG. 4 illustrates an example of
implementing the antenna pattern 210 of FIG. 3. View (a) of FIG. 4
illustrates the shape of the antenna pattern 210 when viewed from
outside of the case 203, and indicates sample dimensions of the
components according to the exemplary embodiment of the present
general inventive concept. View (b) of FIG. 4 illustrates the
antenna pattern 210 when viewed from inside the case 203.
[0092] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the antenna 200 includes the
antenna pattern 210 and the connector 220.
[0093] The antenna pattern 210 is an L-shaped slit antenna 200
resonating on a first bandwidth. Herein, the first bandwidth is 2
GHz, although not strictly limited thereto. The slit antenna 200
includes a slit of which one side opens on the planar surface of
the antenna 200, and has a radiating pattern caused by magnetic
flow distribution. The L-shaped slit antenna 200 is used for the
antenna pattern 210 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.
3; however, in actual implementation, a slit antenna 200 with a
different shape from the L-shape may be used.
[0094] Specifically, the antenna pattern 210 includes a groove area
212, a first case area 211, and a second case area 213.
[0095] The groove area 212 is formed as a portion of the case 203
is cut away, and is in an area where two sides of the case 203 meet
(i.e., in edge area of the case 203). Such groove may have for
example the width of at least 1 mm.
[0096] The groove area 212 may be bent at least once, as
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Specifically, the groove area 212 may
include a first groove area 212-1 and a second groove area
212-2.
[0097] The first groove area 212-1 is formed on a vertical
direction regarding open area of the case 203, and cut so that one
side can connect to the open area of the case 203. The width of the
first groove area 212-1 is, for example, at least 1 mm, and the
length of the first groove area 212-1 is, for example, at least 2
mm. Meanwhile, in actual implementation, a resonating bandwidth of
the antenna pattern 210 may be tuned by adjusting the width or the
length of the first groove area 212-1. This is specifically because
the width of the first case area 211 is determined by the length of
the first groove area 212-1, and the width of the first case area
211 affects resonating bandwidth.
[0098] The open area described above is the lower area illustrated
in FIG. 3, and refers to the area which faces the largest area of
the case 203 (i.e., front face, to be specific), or area where
display apparatus 301 is placed, or area where a user stands.
[0099] The second groove area 212-2 is formed on a vertical
direction toward the first groove area 212-1, and cut so that one
side connects to the first groove area 212-1. The width of the
second groove area 212-2 is, for example, at least 1 mm, and the
length of the second groove area 212-2 may be one-fourth of the
wavelength of the first bandwidth. Thus, the length of the second
groove area 212-2 may be established so as to correspond to
resonating bandwidth necessary for the antenna pattern 210.
[0100] The second groove area 212-2 may be line-shaped as
illustrated in FIG. 3, or meander-shaped as illustrated in FIG. 16,
discussed below. Meanwhile, in certain exemplary embodiments of the
present general inventive concept, the second groove area 212-2 may
be formed on a vertical direction toward the first groove area
212-1. However, in actual implementation, the second groove area
212-2 and the first groove area 212-1 may be formed at an angle
other than 90.degree..
[0101] With reference to the groove area, the first case area 211
is an internal case area, which receives electrical feeding from
the circuit board. The width of the first case area 211 is for
example 2 mm or above.
[0102] With reference to the groove area, the second case area 213
is an external case area, which is electrically connected to
ground.
[0103] As illustrated in view (b) of FIG. 3, the connector 220
contacts the antenna pattern 210 in a contact method, and
electrically connects the antenna pattern 210 and the circuit
board. Specific configuration and operation of the connector 220
will be described below with reference to FIGS. 17 to 24.
Meanwhile, the exemplary embodiment describes that the antenna
pattern 210 and the circuit board connect by using the connector
220; however, in actual implementation, the antenna pattern 210 and
the circuit board are electrically connected by plating a certain
area of the antenna pattern 210 (gold-plating or silver-plating)
and soldering the plated area without having to use the connector
220.
[0104] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 illustrates that the area where two sides
of the case 203 meet may be an intersection of two flat planes;
however, the area where the two sides meet may be curve- shaped, as
illustrated in FIG. 4. Further, FIG. 3 illustrates that the two
side surfaces of the case 203 are respectively directed toward
upper and lower directions, thus forming the intersection of two
flat planes illustrated in FIG. 3. However, the two sides may be
bent toward upper and lower directions, thus forming the
curve-shaped intersection illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0105] FIG. 5 illustrates a protector of an antenna 200 according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept, and FIG. 6 also illustrates a protector of an antenna
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept.
[0106] As illustrated in FIG. 4, because the antenna pattern 210
according to the exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept is formed by cutting the case 203, an inner area
of the case 203 with reference to the groove area (i.e., the first
case area 211) may be deformed by an impact on the case 203.
[0107] Thus, in order to prevent deformation of the antenna pattern
210 from such an impact, the electronic apparatus 100 according to
the exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept
may further be provided with the protector 230 which includes
insulating material filling in the cutting groove as illustrated in
FIG. 5, or the protector 230' which is the insulating material
attached to an upper portion of the antenna pattern 210, as
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0108] The following will describe the reason for forming the
antenna pattern 210 according to the exemplary embodiment on an
area where two sides meet and as a slit antenna 200 (L-shaped slit
antenna 200), by referring to FIGS. 7A-7C and 8.
[0109] FIG. 7A illustrates a slot antenna pattern 400 is placed on
the side surface in the case 203, away from where two sides meet.
FIG. 7B illustrates a radiating pattern of the slot antenna pattern
400 of FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7C illustrates a radiating pattern when
the slot antenna pattern 400 is placed on the area where two sides
of the case 203 meet.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 7A, the antenna pattern 210 is the slot
antenna pattern 400 having a predetermined length of a groove on
one side of the case 203. It is clear that left and right radiating
is suppressed with such a slot antenna pattern 400, as illustrated
in FIG. 7B, in which the slot antenna pattern 400 is indicated by
the dotted area.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 7C, when the position of the slot antenna
pattern 400, indicated by the dotted area, is moved to the edge
area, suppression of left and right radiating is somewhat improved.
However, left and right radiating is still suppressed.
[0112] However, referring to FIG. 8, the L-shaped slit antenna
pattern 210, indicated by the dotted area, formed on the area where
two sides of the case 203 meet according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present general inventive concept radiates
omnidirectionally, and thus, it is clear that the directional
problem is relieved.
[0113] Meanwhile, although the above illustrates and describes that
one antenna pattern 210 operates in one bandwidth, the antenna
pattern 210 may be implemented to operate in a plurality of
bandwidths. Such examples will be explained below by referring to
FIGS. 9 to 16.
[0114] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an antenna pattern 210'
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept, and FIG. 10 illustrates an example of
implementing the antenna pattern 210' of FIG. 9.
[0115] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the antenna pattern 210'
according to the exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept is an L-shaped slit antenna 200 resonating in a
first bandwidth and a second bandwidth. For the purposes of this
exemplary embodiment, the first bandwidth is 2 GHz, and the second
bandwidth is 5 GHz, although the first and second bandwidths are
not limited thereto.
[0116] Specifically, the antenna pattern 210' according to the
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept may
include a third groove area 217, a fourth groove area 215, a third
case area 216, a fourth case area 214, and a fifth case area
218.
[0117] The third groove area 217 is formed on the area where two
sides of the case 203 meet, and is cut so that one side connects to
the open area of the case 203. The third groove area 217 has a
shape which is cut at least once, as illustrated in FIG. 9, and the
width of the third groove area 217 is for example at least 1 mm.
The function and constitution of the third groove area 217 are not
described herein because they are the same as those of the groove
area 212 in FIG. 3.
[0118] With reference to the third groove area 217, the fourth
groove area 215 is formed at an inner portion of the case 203 and
is a cutaway area with one side being connected to the open area of
the case 203. The fourth groove area 215 has a shape which is cut
at least once, as illustrated in FIG. 9, and the width of the
fourth groove area 215 is for example at least 1 mm. The function
and constitution of the fourth groove area 215 are not described
herein because they are the same as those of the groove area 212 in
FIG. 3.
[0119] The third case area 216 is a case area between inside of the
third groove area 217 and outside of the fourth groove area 215,
which receives first electrical feeding from the circuit board. The
width of the third case area 216 is for example at least 2 mm.
[0120] The fourth case area 214 is an inner case area with
reference to the fourth groove area 215, and it receives second
electrical feeding from the circuit board. The width of the fourth
case area 214 is for example at least 2 mm.
[0121] The fifth case area 218 is an outer case area with reference
to the third groove area 217, and it is connected to the ground
electrically.
[0122] FIG. 11 illustrates a radiating pattern of the antenna
pattern 210' of FIG. 9. Specifically, view (a) of FIG. 11
illustrates a radiating pattern on a 2 GHz bandwidth, and view (b)
of FIG. 11 illustrates a radiating pattern on a 5 GHz
bandwidth.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 11, the antenna pattern 210' of FIG. 9
according to the exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept, as indicated by the dotted areas, has
omnidirectional antenna features because it radiates
omnidirectionally on both 2 GHz and 5 GHz wavelengths.
[0124] FIG. 12 illustrates an implementing example of an antenna
pattern 210'' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
general inventive concept.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 12, the antenna pattern 210'' according to
the exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept
includes a groove area 212, a first case area 211, a second case
area 213, and an extender 219. Herein, since the groove area 212,
the first case area 211 and the second case area 213 are the same
as the antenna pattern 210 of FIG. 3 in terms of function and
operation, such will not be redundantly described below.
[0126] The extender 219 is a metal strip resonating on the second
bandwidth. Specifically, the extender 219 may be generated while
forming the groove area 212 of the antenna pattern 210''. The
extender 219 may be generated by bending one end of the case 203
inwards, toward the electronic apparatus 100, instead of cutting
the same when the groove area 212 of the antenna pattern 210'' is
cut away. A total length of the metal strip regarding the extender
219 may be for example one-fourth of the wavelength on the second
bandwidth.
[0127] Meanwhile, in certain exemplary embodiments of the present
general inventive concept, the extender 219 may be formed by using
the cutaway area of the groove area 212. However, in actual
implementation, the extender 219 may be formed by compressing the
metallic case 203 to divide the upper side from the side surfaces,
and cutting the resting part except for the area where the extender
219 will be formed to match the thickness of the side of the case
203.
[0128] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an antenna pattern 210'''
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 13, the antenna pattern 210''' according
to the exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept is the same as the antenna pattern 210 of FIG. 3 in terms
of constitution, except for a difference in the lengths of the
groove area 212 and the first case area 211.
[0130] Specifically, the horizontal length of the groove area 212
(the length of the second groove area 212-2, to be specific) is
about 81.5 mm, which is differently implemented from the exemplary
embodiment of the present general inventive concept illustrated in
FIG. 3. By implementing the horizontal length of the groove area
212 to be longer than that of FIG. 3, the antenna pattern 210''' of
FIG. 13 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present
general inventive concept has bandwidth characteristics covering
800 MHz, 2.4 GHz bandwidth, 4.2 GHz bandwidth, and 5-6 GHz
bandwidth, as illustrated in FIG. 14. Thus, the antenna pattern
210''' according to the exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 13 may be applied as a multi
band antenna by using the above characteristics.
[0131] FIG. 14 illustrates bandwidth characteristics of the antenna
pattern 210''' of FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 illustrates radiating
patterns of the antenna pattern 210''' of FIG. 13, its location
indicated by the dotted areas. View (a) of FIG. 15 illustrates the
radiating pattern at a 2 GHz bandwidth, and view (b) of FIG. 15
illustrates the radiating pattern at a 5 GHz bandwidth.
[0132] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, by implementing the length of
the first case area 211 to be longer, a multi band antenna may be
implemented. Further, it is clear that the implemented antenna may
have omnidirectional antenna features because of radiating
omnidirectionally.
[0133] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the antenna pattern 210'''
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 16, the antenna pattern 210''' according
to the exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept is the same as the antenna pattern 210 according to first
exemplary embodiment in terms of constitution, except for the
different shape of the second groove area 212'-2.
[0135] Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present
general inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 16 includes a first
case area 211', a second case area 213', and a groove area 212'
having a first groove area 212'-1 and a second groove area 212'-2.
As illustrated in FIG. 16, the second groove area 212'-2 has a
meander shape. Thus, with the second groove area 212'-2 being
meandered, it is possible to tune to second and third bandwidths,
differently from the exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0136] The following will explain the connector 220 which
electrically feeds the antenna pattern 210 implemented according to
the above methods. Specifically, because metal components such as
aluminum or duraluminum cannot be directly soldered, soldering may
be performed after plating a part of the surface in the metal case
203 described above (gold-plating or silver-plating), or a feeding
structure in a contact method may be necessary. The following will
explain the connector 220 having the feeding structure in the
contact method by referring to FIGS. 17 to 24. Although antenna
pattern 210 is referred to in the discussion of these drawings, it
will be understood that the exemplary embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 17 to 24 may operate with any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments of the antenna pattern 210, 210', 210'',
210''', or 210'''', or any other embodiment of the antenna pattern
according to the present general inventive concept.
[0137] FIG. 17 illustrates a constitution of the connector 220
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept, and FIG. 18 illustrates an example of
implementing the connector 220 of FIG. 17.
[0138] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the connector 220 connects to
the antenna pattern 210, and is formed on the lower end of the area
where the first case area 211 and the second case area 213 meet.
The connector 220 includes an electrical feeder 223, a first ground
221, a first terminal 224, and a second terminal 222.
[0139] The electrical feeder 223 contacts the first case area 211
in the contact method, and provides electrical feeding to the
antenna pattern 210. The electrical feeder 223 is formed on the
lower end of the first case area and performs electrical feeding to
the first case area 211. In actual implementation, resonating
frequency may be tuned by adjusting electrical feeding position of
the electrical feeder 223 to the first case area 211. Specifically,
on the lower end of the first case area 211, the electrical feeder
223 may be formed closer to or far from the area where the first
case area 211 and the second case area 213 meet, by which the
resonating frequency of the antenna pattern 210 may be tuned.
[0140] The first ground 221 contacts the second case area 213 in
the contact method. Specifically, the first ground 221 is placed on
the lower end of the second case area 213 and grounds the second
case area 213.
[0141] The first terminal 224 electrically connects the electrical
feeder 223 to the circuit board. Specifically, the first terminal
224 includes area where cables can be soldered (i.e. is a cable
connector), connects the circuit board through the soldered cables,
and connects the electrical feeder 223 through the antenna pattern
210.
[0142] The second terminal 222 connects the first ground 221 to a
second ground in a system of the electronic apparatus 100.
Specifically, the second terminal 222 connects the second ground of
the electronic apparatus 100 through the cables, and connects the
first ground 221 to the antenna pattern 210. Meanwhile, when the
case 203 with the first antenna 200 formed thereon is provided to
protect a display apparatus 301, the second terminal 224 may
connect the ground of the display apparatus 301.
[0143] FIG. 19 illustrates a constitution of a connector 220'
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept, and FIG. 20 illustrates an example of
implementing the connector 220' of FIG. 19.
[0144] The connector 220' according to the exemplary embodiment of
the present general inventive concept is identical to the connector
220 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17,
except for the difference that the first terminal 224' is
implemented as a cable connector. Accordingly, the electrical
feeder 223, the first ground 221, and the second terminal 222 will
not be repeatedly described herein.
[0145] The first terminal 224' electrically connects the electrical
feeder 223 to the circuit board. Specifically, the first terminal
224' may include the cable connector connecting the cables, connect
the circuit board through the cable connector and the cables
mounted on the cable connector, and connect the electrical feeder
223 to the antenna pattern 210.
[0146] Meanwhile, although the above describes that the connector
220 or 220' includes only one electrical feeder 223, the connector
220 or 220' may include a plurality of electrical feeders 223 and a
plurality of first terminals 224 to respectively connect the
plurality of electrical feeders 223 to the circuit board,
particularly when using the antenna pattern 210 according to the
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
[0147] Further, although the above describes that the connector 220
or 220' only performs a function to connect the antenna pattern 210
and the circuit board, the connector 220 or 220' may further have
additional functions. Such example will be described below by
referring to FIGS. 21 to 24.
[0148] FIG. 21 illustrates a constitution of a connector 220'
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept. Specifically, the connector 220'' according to
the exemplary embodiment has a function of matching impedance in
addition to the function of the connector 220 according to the
exemplary embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 17.
[0149] Referring to view (a) of FIG. 21, the connector 220 includes
the electrical feeder 223, the first ground 221, the first terminal
224, the second terminal 222, and a matcher 225. Functions of the
electrical feeder 223, the first ground 221, the first terminal 224
and the second terminal 222 are the same as those of constitution
in FIG. 17, which will not be described herein.
[0150] The matcher 225 is placed between the electrical feeder 223
and the first terminal 224 and operates to match impedance of the
antenna pattern 210. The matcher 225 may include one of a L-shaped
matching circuit in view (a) of FIG. 21, a 7-shaped matching
circuit (matcher 225', illustrated in view (b) of FIG. 21), and a
T-shaped matching circuit (matcher 225'', illustrated in view (c)
of FIG. 21). Constitution and function of the L-shaped matching
circuit, the 7-shaped matching circuit, and the T-shaped matching
circuit are well known in the art, which will not be described
herein.
[0151] FIG. 22 illustrates a constitution of a connector 220'''
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept. Specifically, the connector 220''' according to
the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22 performs matching
impedance in addition to the function of the connector 220'
described above with reference to FIG. 19.
[0152] Referring to view (a) of FIG. 22, the connector 220'''
includes the electrical feeder 223, the first ground 221, the first
terminal 224', the second terminal 222, and the matcher 225.
Functions of the electrical feeder 223, the first ground 221, the
first terminal 224' and the second terminal 222 are the same as
those of the constitution in FIG. 19, which will not be described
herein.
[0153] The matcher 225 is placed between the electrical feeder 223
and the first terminal 224' and operates to match impedance of the
antenna pattern 210. The matcher 225 may include one of an L-shaped
matching circuit in view (a) of FIG. 22, a 7-shaped matching
circuit in view (b) of FIG. 22, and a T-shaped matching circuit in
view (c) of FIG. 22. Constitution and function of the L-shaped
matching circuit, the 7-shaped matching circuit, and the T-shaped
matching circuit are well known in the art, which will not be
described below.
[0154] FIG. 23 illustrates a constitution of a connector 220''''
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept. The connector 220'''' according to the exemplary
embodiment includes a second antenna pattern 226 resonating on
different bandwidth from the antenna pattern 210 in addition to the
function of the connector 220 or 220' described above with
reference to FIGS. 17 and 19.
[0155] Referring to FIG. 23, the connector 220'''' includes the
electrical feeder 223, the first ground 221, the first terminal 224
or 224', the second terminal 222, the matcher 225, and the second
antenna pattern 226. View (a) of FIG. 23 illustrates a
configuration in which the first terminal 224 is used, while view
(b) of FIG. 23 illustrates a configuration in which the first
terminal 224' is used. Functions of the electrical feeder 223, the
first ground 221, the first terminal 224 and 224', and the second
terminal 222 are the same as those of the constitution in FIG. 17
or FIG. 19, which will not be described below.
[0156] The second antenna pattern 226 resonates on the second
bandwidth. Specifically, the second antenna pattern 226 may be
formed as a metal strip pattern. Herein, the length of the metal
strip pattern in the second antenna pattern 226 may be one-fourth
of the wavelength on the second bandwidth.
[0157] FIG. 24 illustrates a constitution of a connector 220'''''
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept. Specifically, the connector 220''''' according
to the exemplary embodiment includes a function of matching
impedance and the second antenna pattern 226 to resonate on a
different bandwidth from the antenna pattern 210, in addition to
the function of the connector 220 or 220' according to the
exemplary embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 17
and 19.
[0158] Referring to FIG. 24, the connector 220''''' includes the
electrical feeder 223, the first ground 221, the first terminal 224
or 224', the second terminal 222, and the second antenna pattern
226. View (a) of FIG. 24 illustrates a configuration in which the
first terminal 224 is used, while view (b) of FIG. 24 illustrates a
configuration in which the first terminal 224' is used. Functions
of the electrical feeder 223, the first ground 221, the first
terminal 224 and 224', and the second terminal 222 are the same as
those of the constitution in FIG. 17 or FIG. 19, which will not be
described below.
[0159] The matcher 225 is placed between the electrical feeder 223
and the first terminal 224' while matching impedance of the second
antenna pattern 226. The matcher 225 may include one of an L-shaped
matching circuit as illustrated in view (a) of FIG. 22, a 7-shaped
matching circuit as illustrated in view (b) of FIG. 22, and a
T-shaped matching circuit, as illustrated in view (c) of FIG. 22.
Constitution and function of the L-shaped matching circuit, the
7-shaped matching circuit, and the T-shaped matching circuit are
well known in the art, which will not be described below.
[0160] The second antenna pattern 226 resonates on the second
bandwidth. Specifically, the second antenna pattern 226 may be
formed as a metal strip pattern. Herein, the length of the metal
strip pattern in the second antenna pattern 226 may be one-fourth
of the wavelength on the second bandwidth.
[0161] Although a few embodiments of the present general inventive
concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these
embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the
general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *